Author: S.M. Stirling
Publisher: ROC
Binding: Paperback
Publication Date: 2005
S. M. Stirling is an interesting author with concepts off the beaten track of normal science fiction. He has many selections out and this book is the second in a series with DIES THE FIRE as the first one. The premise of both books is a fascinating idea. Suddenly, without any warning, all electrical devices stop working. The world shuts down without power sources. Planes fall from the sky, trains, and cars stop, and ships cease functioning all over the world.
The main characters and the readers of the story become deeply involved in the art of surviving. Mr. Stirling really makes you think about what you would have to do to survive day-to-day in this old/new world. Museums become a treasure trove of survival gear. The leaf springs of the millions of abandoned cars are easily turned into springy swords. Of the most importance are people able to organize others to help in survival. The story works around four different peoples and the unusual ways in which they survive.
Instead of antagonists and protagonists we see forceful men and women all doing what they think is best from their point of view. These characters all have families they love and friends they want to protect. This isn’t a book about right and wrong. With everyone just trying to survive, the book presents an age old tale of might makes right.
PROTECTOR’S WAR takes place eight years after DIES THE FIRE. The characters of the first book appear fitter and stronger after their years of struggle to survive in this story. Land has become important and the rich black earth of the Willamette Valley is just what the city dwelling Protectorate feels it needs for its rapidly growing population. The Wiccan folksinger Juniper Mackenzie is the leader of Clan Mackenzie, the currently dwellers of that valley. They do not intend to share what they need to survive. Both sides feel they are completely justified in their desires. A deadly war seems the only result.
Into this mix of tension, the reader discovers new groups coming to the old Americas and newfound friends coming to help the clan.
You don’t have to have read DIES THE FIRE to enjoy this book. Both are well worth having.
